I do wish Abingdon would make more use of the Market Place. I have searched for events between now and Christmas that will be there but either there genuinely is nothing, or they need more publicity....Such a waste of a fantastic venue! Several ideas have been voiced to me - a temporary ice rink, a French/Italian market (as in Broad St., Oxford regularly), regular Christmas markets, - or if not, at least let the usual Farmers Market appear more often. Lack of an enticement to shop in Abingdon in the run up to Christmas means we lose people to other towns and our traders and businesses lose out.
However, all is not doom and gloom. Added Ingredients in Stert St. are putting on a heroic effort with Sunday openings and food/wine tastings, a free pack of Amarettis for purchases over £20 and hampers made up to order - they also do a wonderful cup of coffee or a baguette.
Millets Farm Centre are the closest place to go for a visit to Santa. They are offering breakfast, tea and a talk with Santa in his grotto all bookable via their website so you don't have to queue for hours.
The Upper Reaches Hotel is putting on Christmas parties every Friday and Saturday til Christmas for £25.00 per person, including a 3 course meal and disco til 12am.and then a New Year's Eve Masked Ball. They also have a discount on rooms if you book online, so why not make a night of it!
Do let me know of any events you find!
